The impact of satellite TV on changes in Iranian family

Khadem Leyla MakhsusHosseiny

The paper aims at demonstrating transformations in the structure and life style of the Iranian family at the time of transition from traditional to modern form under the influence of communication media. Unlike similar researches that concentrate only on the impact of the media, it also establishes a mutual interaction of female agents and family structure applying structuration theory of A. Giddens. Their dialectical relationship is presented, exploring the rules and resources of both traditional and modern structures. Female agents' practices are practically studied in their lifestyles. Women reflect and modify their actions once the structure provides them resources like communicative media. The change in their actions is evident in their new lifestyle. Changes in the agents’ actions regenerates a family structure that challenges gender roles and establishes cohabitations, a declining birth rate, increased number of divorce and employed women.

Keywords:structure, agent, satellite television, Iranian woman, resources, traditions, gender.